i think that many audiophiles with what i will call 'mature' systems are quite satisfied with where they are, and even more importantly, the direction they have gone in. these people have reached a level where they are not looking for 90 degree turns, but are open to incremental improvements. they have done the 'heavy lifting' of discovery.
some are still trying to discover what they like, and the best way to achieve that.
others maybe are are not exactly aware of the point they are at on the decision tree.
personally; 8 years ago i decided to build a dedicated room. one would think that would result in a mature system. the reality was that i left a mature system in my previous home, and then spent 5-6 years trying to get back to where things were settled in the new room. i stepped back a couple of steps, to eventually get way beyond where i had been. the last couple of years it's been great and i'm enjoying the payoff of my efforts.
did i do the right thing? depends on when you ask me.
You and I are on the same page Mike. Unfortunately some people see that gear and think the sound we get is all about the gear.
What they don't see is the hard work that goes into bringing the performance as close as possible to their potential as opposed to just working. It is a process that can take a lot of time and effort, in your and my cases, as well as others here, years.
Jack,
how true.
enough is enough when it finally works. things 'lock in' and the music flows. in my case, the final pieces to the puzzle were making physical changes to my room (removing some bass trapping, and adding the Equi=tech) as well as speaker adjustments and adding some decoupling footers everywhere. the room changes were years in the making including lots of feedback and measuring. really no gear changes other than settle on a particular vinyl front end. it was just patience and being relentless. sure; i had expensive 'pretty' gear but it was getting it all to jell where the magic comes from.
Same here Mike. Pretty much all the gear remained the same for three years, some almost twice that. When your MM7s arrive you'll be in for another round of tuning. I have no doubt you will be rewarded for your efforts down the road. Such is the path of the more involved hobbyist eh? No pain no gain.
I don't have the fantastic rooms that you both guys have; but you both touched the Essence of true Audiophilia: The Room and its Balance with the Music recordings and the Music gear & loudspeakers.
And the balancing size of everything dictates the balancing size of our overall musical pleasure.
...Be it from a pair of headphones to the largest live Classical concert Hall.
---------:b